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Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
Bronzer has been around since before contouring was cool. Beyond providing an all-over sun-kissed glow, this makeup staple can be used to shade your forehead, define your jawline, make your cheekbones look more pronounced, or create the illusion of a longer neck. "I typically recommend applying bronzer first to frame the face, and then following up with blush and highlighter," says makeup artist Kristen Fortier.
We have a soft spot in our hearts for drugstore brands—they were an introduction to makeup for many of us as adolescents. Not only that, but the most affordable options are arguably just as good as the top-shelf stuff, and they're widely available online and in pharmacies. So with that in mind, we conducted hours of research on the best drugstore bronzers. We tried some of the top-rated formulas out there. Our testers took note of finish, pigment, and how long the bronzer lasted. Our team then combined these results with our research of fan favorites plus makeup artist-recommended picks to create this list.
Scroll down for the best drugstore bronzers for a sun-kissed glow.
Best Overall
Physician’s Formula Murmuru Butter Bronzer
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Amazon
Powder-to-cream formula
Soft-focus pigments
Blends easily
Contains fragrance
Physicians Formula has always reigned in the drugstore bronzer category, so it should be no surprise that it's our first-place pick. Murumuru Butter Bronzer is a powder formula, but as the name suggests, it melts into your skin like a soft cream and leaves a dewy finish in its wake.
This Byrdie editor favorite is available in six stunning shades to complement all skin tones. Sweep it on with a brush, a makeup sponge, or even just your fingers to accentuate, contour, and achieve the level of sun-kissed glow you desire. However you apply it, you can count on the soft-focus pigments to blend seamlessly.
Price at time of publish: $17
Finish: Dewy | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Budget
Rimmel Natural Bronzer
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Amazon
Buildable
Waterproof
Long-lasting
Contains paraffin
Contains fragrance
Available in four flattering shades, this budget-friendly bronzer goes on smooth, blends effortlessly, and offers a semi-sheer natural finish. Want more color? The buildable formula can be layered for a deeper bronze effect. It's also waterproof and promises up to 10 hours of wear.
Price at time of publish: $10
Finish: Natural | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Shimmery
CoverGirl TruBlend Minerals Bronzer
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Amazon
Light-reflecting pigments
Subtle illumination
Silky texture
Only one shade
Contains BHT
If you like a little shimmer with your sun-kissed glow, this one's for you. CoverGirl TruBlend calls on ultra-fine, light-reflecting pigments to create an illuminating effect. The radiant finish is stunning yet subtle and not overly sparkly.
Price at time of publish: $16
Finish: Radiant | Shades: 1 | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Illuminating
Revlon SkinLights Prismatic Bronzer
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Amazon
Silky texture
Crystal-like pigments
Buildable
Contains BHT
Revlon SkinLights has a delightful 1980s glam vibe that is reminiscent of gold lamé and costume jewelry, but that's not all we love about it. This silky-soft highlighter contains crystal-like pigments that blend into your skin and create a warm, illuminating, multidimensional glow.
Price at time of publish: $11
Finish: Radiant | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Matte
Nyx Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer
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Amazon
Versatile
Natural-looking color
Contains petrolatum
Prefer a matte finish? NYX has you covered. Use this shimmer-free powder to sculpt and define your best features, or dust it all over your face, neck, and décolletage for natural-looking sun-kissed color.
Price at time of publish: $10
Finish: Matte | Shades: 5 | Size: 0.3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
"A good trick is to apply a dusting of bronzer above your eyes as your eyeshadow base. This compliments the warmth of your cheeks and makes your complexion cohesive."—Saffron Hughes, Makeup Artist
Best Baked
Milani Baked Bronzer
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Amazon
Light-reflecting pigments
Enhances complexion
Not long-lasting
We're also big fans of Milani. Baked on terracotta tiles, this high-quality Italian bronzer contains a blend of skin-loving minerals and light-reflecting gold pigments that delivers healthy color and instant warmth.
Price at time of publish: $10
Finish: Shimmery | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Mineral
Vasanti Cosmetics Mineral Bronzer
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Vasanti
Nourishing
Enhances complexion
Natural-looking color
Pricey for drugstore
This mineral-rich bronzer from Vasanti first nourishes, then enhances your complexion with a natural-looking, straight-from-the-beach color. It comes in three versatile shades to complement a range of skin tones and leaves you with a no-makeup makeup look.
Price at time of publish: $29
Finish: Natural | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Cream
e.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Bronzer
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Amazon
Highly pigmented
Blends easily
Diverse shade range
Not long-lasting
Makeup artist Saffron Hughes says that those with dry skin may want to steer clear of powder formulas "in case it makes your skin drier or cakey." Whether your complexion is parched or you just find creams easier to blend, this putty-to-powder formula won't let you down. The highly pigmented bronzer comes in a diverse range of shades and blends beautifully without feeling greasy.
Price at time of publish: $7
Finish: Semi-matte | Shades: 7 | Size: 0.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best High-Pigment
Mented Cosmetics Bronzer
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Mented Cosmetics
Buildable
Blends easily
Diverse shade range
Slightly messy
Available in four shades ranging from deep brown to medium toffee, this richly pigmented bronzer promises a big color payoff. If you're worried about a streaky look, fear not, because it's formulated to be both buildable and blendable.
Price at time of publish: $22
Finish: Matte | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.35 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
"Apply in a '3' formation, starting at the forehead and temple, then sweep underneath the cheekbone, and drag down toward the jawline to create an effortless, sun-kissed look."—Kristen Fortier, Makeup Artist
Best for Dark Skin Tones
Juvia's Place Bronzed Duo Bronzer
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Juvia's Place
Versatile
Two-shade pan
Diverse shade range
Nothing
Juvia's Place makes the best option for darker skin tones. This two-pan bronzer was a hit with our home tester, who used both matte shades to sculpt and define different areas of her face. You can also dust it all over for a sun-kissed effect.
Price at time of publish: $20
Finish: Natural matte | Shades: 5 | Size: 0.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Testers Say
“I loved the color that both shades in the Duo gave my skin; I had a soft matte glow, my cheeks looked sculpted, and my forehead had a really nice warmth and depth to it.”—Khera Alexander, Product Tester
Best for Fair Skin
HAN Skincare Cosmetics Matte Bronzer
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Amazon
Nourishing
Blends easily
Natural-looking color
Small amount
Han is a great option for fair-skinned folks. The Malibu shade of this matte bronzer is a cool-toned milk chocolate hue that complements very light and olive-toned complexions. Ibiza is slightly darker and warmer for those who want a bit more color.
Price at time of publish: $18
Finish: Matte | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best With Brush
Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Pressed Bronzer
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Amazon
Travel-friendly
Great for contouring
Long-lasting
Contains parabens
Our product tester raved about this pressed bronzer from Physicians Formula. She appreciated the nourishing formula, lightweight feel, and long-lasting glow. What's more, the mirrored compact comes with a mini brush that's perfect for contouring and on-the-go touch-ups.
Price at time of publish: $17
Finish: Matte | Shades: 2 | Size: 3.04 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Testers Say
“This bronzer stayed on for over 10 hours without reapplying. Granted, I wasn’t shy about layering it, alas, but its performance rating is always an A+ for me.”—Michelle Rostamian, Product Tester
Best Stick
Undone Beauty Water Bronzer
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Ulta
Blends easily
Buildable
Travel-friendly
Contains PEGs
This pocket-sized contour stick is a go-to when you’re on the go, but the unique formula is where it stands out. Infused with coconut water and castor oil, the water-based cream melts into your skin and spreads like butter. The result? A sheer yet buildable wash of color and a dewy glow.
Price at time of publish: $10
Finish: Dewy | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Palette
Essence Sun Club Matt Bronzing Powder Palette
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Amazon
Customizable color
Blends easily
Recommended by makeup artists
Contains BHT
To create a custom bronze glow, consider using a palette that allows you to blend different shades for buildable coverage. This one contains four complementary shades and offers a matte finish.
Price at time of publish: $10
Finish: Matte | Shades: 4 | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer, which feels luxe on skin and creates a radiant glow. The powder-to-cream formula diffuses your complexion with soft-focus pigments and blends seamlessly with a dewy finish. If you prefer a matte, shimmer-free finish, NYX Matte Bronzer is a solid choice with plenty of pigment.
Meet the Expert
- Saffron Hughes is a makeup artist based in North Wales. She specializes in natural-looking contour techniques and glam looks using bronzer and highlighter.
- Kristen Fortier is a professional makeup artist and lead product innovator for Crunchi Cosmetics.
What to Look for in a Drugstore Bronzer
Shade
Make sure you choose a bronzer shade that works well with your skin tone, to avoid looking orange or creating any harsh lines. Opt to find a bronzer shade that mimics your skin tone when you're tan—and try to make sure it's not too dark or too light. Make sure you check the undertones of the bronzer as well, as this can be crucial in finding the right one.
Texture
Do you tend to go for powder formulas or cream? Take what texture you love using into consideration before purchasing. Generally, creams tend to give off a more dewy finish, whereas powders are more matte. Both yield the same result but give off different appearances.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—such as ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a beauty commerce writer and cosmetics connoisseur who knows her way around the drugstore makeup aisle. She compiled expert recommendations and application tips from two makeup artists for this story and then searched high and low to find today's best affordable bronzers. She has personally tried a handful of products on this list, including Physicians Formula, CoverGirl, NYX, e.l.f., Milani, and Vasanti. Theresa covers color cosmetics, skincare, and wellness products at Byrdie.
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